Georgia Fintech Academy

This special edition turns the tables, with Georgia State University seniors Scott Thompson and Gharam Mansour, co-founders of the student organization FTO (Financial Technology Organization) at GSU, taking the lead as hosts. In this episode, they sit down with fintech leaders Ben Jackson, COO of the Innovative Payments Association (IPA), and Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, to explore the critical importance of financial literacy in today's fast-paced Fintech landscape. Why does it matter? Because understanding finance is more than just making ends meet; it's about establishing financial wellness, sustainability, and generational wealth. It is also a pre-requisite for those pursuing careers in the Fintech industry or developing innovative solutions as entrepreneurs. From payment solutions to cutting-edge Fintech educational programs, this episode dives into how fintech tools are not just enhancing financial education and empowerment but revolutionizing it. Get ready for a deep dive into the real-world impact of fintech innovations, personal anecdotes, and a discussion on what the future holds for the industry. This dynamic exchange of ideas, where education meets innovation at the intersection of financial wellness and technology, is a must-listen for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs interested in Fintech, financial literacy, and innovation. Discover how fintech sets the stage for a financially literate world. Links: Financial Technology Organization (student org) at GSU https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-technology-organization-at-gsu/about/ Innovative Payments Association (IPA) https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovativepaymentsassociation/about/ Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Join us on a captivating discussion with Systems and Methods, Inc. (SMI), a family-owned trailblazer in government payment services with over 50 years of innovation and commitment to improving lives. In this must-listen episode, we sit down with Bo Stone, Chief Strategy Officer at SMI, and Wesley Stone Director of Government Affairs at SMI, alongside graduating senior Astrid Cuellar Benitez from Kennesaw State University, and Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director at the Georgia Fintech Academy. Founded in 1971 in Carrollton, Ga., SMI began as a modest computer consulting service and has since grown to operate robust State Disbursement Units (SDUs) across 16 states, managing the smiONE™ Visa® Prepaid Card for over two million cardholders. This episode delves into the heart of SMI’s innovative spirit and its role in facilitating secure, efficient government payments that significantly enhance the quality of everyday life for millions. We'll uncover the features and benefits of Kudzu, SMI’s latest endeavor in financial education and management tools, designed to empower users with the knowledge and means to manage their finances effectively. Our guests share personal insights and stories that highlight and complement SMI's relationship-based approach, blending cutting-edge technology with genuine care to craft tailored solutions that meet the needs of their customers. Tune in to discover how SMI's dedication to innovation and service is shaping the future of financial literacy and access. Whether you're interested in fintech, innovative solutions, or stories of impact, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on creating meaningful and lasting change in the financial landscape. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Navigating Fintech Frontiers: A Deep Dive into Product Management with Naomi Donaldson Join Executive Director, Laura Gibson-Lamothe and KSU Senior, Julianie Ferguson in this insightful episode of the Georgia Fintech Academy podcast as we unravel the intricacies of product management in the dynamic realm of Fintech. Our special guest, Naomi Donaldson, shares her invaluable experience and career journey, offering a profound understanding of the strategic and innovative landscape of product management. Tune in to gain exclusive insights that will empower your journey in the ever-evolving world of Fintech. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Welcome to the Georgia Fintech Academy Podcast, where innovation meets insight! In our latest episode, we're thrilled to have Steven Nigri, Co-founder of Nxt-Moves, and Yagazie Anyanwu, international MBA student at Georgia State University - Robinson College of Business and entrepreneur. Join us as we embark on a captivating conversation, exploring the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship in fintech. Steven Nigri, with his wealth of experience as a co-founder, brings invaluable perspectives on navigating the fintech landscape. Meanwhile, Yagazie Anyanwu, an international MBA student and entrepreneur, adds a unique global viewpoint and questions to our discussion. Get ready for an engaging dialogue that delves into the challenges, triumphs, and the evolving landscape of fintech entrepreneurship. Whether you're a student, seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and inform. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

We are thrilled to bring you an exclusive episode of the Georgia FinTech Academy Podcast, featuring Momnt President and Co-founder, Brian Lanehart! Join us as we embark on a deep dive into the dynamic world of Embedded Payments. Episode Highlights: Exploring Embedded Payments:Innovation Unveiled:Impact on Customers:Ecosystem Dynamics:Special Thanks to Arketi Group: A heartfelt thank you to Arketi, our valued partner, for making this connection possible and for their unwavering support of the Georgia Fintech Academy. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Are you ready to dive into the world of FinTech and explore a groundbreaking partnership aimed at shaping the future of finance? We're thrilled to invite you to an exclusive podcast recording featuring Georgia FinTech Academy and Kennesaw State University, two powerhouse institutions coming together to fuel the development of FinTech talent! Join us as we discuss the remarkable partnership, the KSU FinTech Program, its cutting-edge curriculum, and much more! Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

A new episode of the Georgia Fintech Academy podcast is here! Join Laura Gibson-Lamothe (Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy) and Morgan Blackmon (GSU graduating senior) as we discuss with Jennifer Frasier (Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at FIS) the approach FIS is taking for Inclusion and Diversity both internally and externally, as demonstrated by the partnership with Greenwood's Ryan Wilson (Chief of Community and CEO of The Gathering Spot), whose mission is to continue to build a community focused on advancing the economic empowerment of minority and underserved communities. Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Welcome as we kick off Season 4 of the podcast with an intro to the new Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, Laura Gibson-Lamothe. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Kevin Lee is a serial fintech and technology entrepreneur in Atlanta and the CEO of Kobiton. He has led fintech companies including CRE Secure, TransCentra, Vanco Payment and more. He discusses Kobiton's business and the challenges fintech's face in developing applications for mobile devices. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Ade Sturley is a Vice President in the FIS Global Impact Ventures team. Nick Lommen is a star baseball player at Georgia State University and deeply interested in fintech. Listen to this great conversation on the present and future of Bank as a Service. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Rachel Hansen is the Chief Information Officer for the Payment Services division of U.S. Bank. In this discussion with Seyi Fasan, a recent graduate of the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University the two reveal the importance of the Cloud to today's payment technology environment. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Rob Hanlon is the CEO at CyberBanque International, the creator of Cybermoney. This platform empowers merchants to offer exciting consumer payments experiences. Kumar Shivam just earned his Master's in Data Analytics with a focus on Big Data. This conversation explores the future of payment's opportunities for merchants. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

David Berglund is the Global Head of Artificial Intelligence at FIS Global. He joins Vijay Ahuja, a recent undergraduate from Indiana University to discuss that state of AI in financial services, ethics in AI, and the Metaverse. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Rohin Tagra (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohin-tagra-54a6b6/) founded Azimuth GRC 3 years ago to address compliance challenges in the mortgage industry. Morgan Blackmon is a rising senior at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State. She is engaged with the Georgia Fintech Academy curriculum and will intern with Wells Fargo this summer. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Zoe Newman is the U.S. Managing Director of UK based fintech CapitalOnTap. She joins Anna Gelderman who is a graduating senior at the University of Georgia. This discussion explains the CapitalOnTap business model and approach to the USA market for small business credit cards. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Somesh Chablani, Global Head, Go-to-Market, FIS Global Capital Markets joins Jonathan Laurent, a senior at Georgia State University Honors College to define the Go-To-Market approach of a major global fintech player. They dive into sales, marketing, product strategy, and client support. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Akita Somani, SVP, BNPL/POS at U.S. Bank - Elavon joins Divij Sharma, a fintech focused senior at University of Georgia Terry College of Business. This conversation explores global trends in payments along with an overview of the Elavon business in Europe. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Oliver Burns is Head of Global Strategic Partnerships for FIS Global. In this podcast he joins Astrid Cuella-Benitez, a top student in the Georgia Fintech Academy program to discuss the role of strategic partnerships in creating enterprise value. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Greg Cunningham, Chief Diversity Officer of U.S. Bank joins Georgia State University senior Bri'Asia Acklin to discuss the U.S. Bank Access Commitment initiative, key partnerships, and starting a career in fintech Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Danny McDowell is the Senior Director of Global Transformation Delivery at FIS Global. He joins senior Charles Gibson of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business for a discussion on how large change is managed on complex projects throughout the world. This conversation centers on methods, scope management, and stakeholder communication. Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/